Automatic distributor device for objects

ABSTRACT

Automatic distributor device for objects, in particular but not only for folded articles of clothing, such as for example garments, uniforms, overalls or other, comprising at least a box-like body provided at an ergonomic height with at least a pick-up window for the distribution of the objects and a loading window to supply the objects. The distributor device comprises a plurality of containing elements of the single-object type, which selectively have an open position for receiving and picking up the object, and a closed position for movement. The containing elements are configured to normally contain one object or a homogeneous plurality of objects. The distributor device comprises closed ring movement means which move the plurality of the containing elements inside the box-like body so as to position one of them on each occasion selectively facing toward the pick-up window or toward the loading window.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention concerns an automatic distributor device forsubstantially flat objects, in particular folded articles of clothing,such as for example garments, uniforms, overalls and others, but alsonewspapers, magazines, documents, trays and other.

In particular, the automatic distributor device according to the presentinvention is applied for the automated distribution of the objects andfor the automated monitoring thereof both in the distribution step, thestorage step, and also in the supply step. The invention is applied inparticular for use in communities such as hospitals, schools, factories,institutions in general, where there is a need to periodically retrieve,for example daily, articles of clothing, personalized and otherwise,after they have been washed.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Automatic distributor devices are known, for the distribution of objectsof various types, for example for use in communities, in particular forthe distribution of clean and folded articles of clothing, such as forexample garments, uniforms, smocks, overalls, work garments in general,or other equipment used for example in the medical field or hospitalsurgery.

A first type of known automatic distributor device provides a pluralityof containing drawers, disposed inside a box-like body and associatedwith a rotary movement mechanism, for example a paternoster, which movesthem cyclically along a closed path. Each drawer is therefore disposed,upon request, in a position adjacent to a pick-up window, allowing toremove the desired article or to load it.

Each containing drawer is normally filled with a predetermined quantityof objects of the same type, in particular folded articles of clothing,such as for example trousers or jackets of the same size. Thepositioning of a specific drawer adjacent to the distribution window isperformed following the recognition of the user accessing thedistribution service, for example after electronic recognition with arelative badge, or reading a bar code or introducing a univocalidentification code.

This first known automatic distributor device, although it guaranteesquick supply of the objects, does not allow to control an improper use,because when the drawer is positioned in correspondence with the pick-upwindow, it is not possible to prevent removal of two or more articles ofclothing, which makes it impossible to effectively trace the removal ofthe articles taken.

A further disadvantage of this first known device is that it is notpossible to diversify the distribution of the articles in a personalizedmanner, since each drawer contains objects of the same type.Furthermore, the number of distinct drawers defines the number ofdifferent articles that can be distributed, substantially limiting bothvariety and assortment.

A second known device is of the type that distributes food products, inwhich a rotary element with a vertical development is disposed inside arelative containing box-like body. The rotary element, which rotatesaround a vertical axis of rotation, comprises a plurality of horizontalshelves, of a circular shape, one on top of the other at a predetermineddistance. The shelves are divided into circular sectors, in each ofwhich a specific article is positioned. The rotation of the rotaryelement allows to position a predetermined and desired sector adjacentto a corresponding pick-up window, to allow the selected article to beremoved.

Although it allows to guarantee the traceability of each articledistributed and an adequate assortment of articles, this second type ofknown automatic distributor device needs a long supply time.Furthermore, since the circular sectors are rather narrow, it can beproblematic to insert the objects, especially in the case of articles ofclothing, and this compromises the quality of ironing of the garments.

A third type of known automatic distributor device comprises acontaining cabinet with several compartments, each of which can beopened, again after recognition of the user enabled to access thedistribution service.

Although it allows very quick supply operations, and allows to trace theremoval of the individual articles, the third type of automaticdistributor device does not allow a desired assortment regardingdifferent types, sizes and/or colors of the articles contained, giventhe same space actually occupied.

One purpose of the present invention is to achieve an automaticdistributor device for objects, with a mainly flat development, inparticular but not only for articles of clothing, which allows todistribute, even in a personalized manner, a wide assortment of objectsand to control effectively the distribution of each single articlecontained therein.

Another purpose of the present invention is to achieve an automaticdistributor device for objects, in particular for articles of clothing,which has short supply times and does not compromise the quality of thepossible ironing operation previously performed.

The Applicant has devised, tested and embodied the present invention toovercome the shortcomings of the state of the art and to obtain theseand other purposes and advantages.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is set forth and characterized in the independentclaim, while the dependent claims describe other characteristics of theinvention or variants to the main inventive idea.

In accordance with the above purposes, an automatic distributor devicefor objects, in particular but not only for folded articles of clothing,such as for example garments, uniforms, overalls or other, comprises atleast a box-like body, provided at an ergonomic height with pick-up andloading means to distribute the objects and supply the objects in thedistributor.

In some variants, the pick-up and loading means comprise at least apick-up window to distribute the objects and/or a loading window, whichmay or may not coincide with the pick-up window.

According to one feature of the present invention, the automaticdistributor device comprises a plurality of containing elements of thesingle-object type, selectively having an open position for receivingand picking up the object, and a closed position for movement; thecontaining elements are configured to normally contain one of saidobjects, or a homogeneous plurality of said objects. The automaticdistributor device also comprises closed-ring movement means which movethe plurality of the containing elements inside the box-like body so asto position one of them on each occasion selectively facing toward thepick-up and loading means.

According to another feature of the present invention, the closed-ringmovement means comprise one or more belts or chains, to which thecontaining elements are attached. The attachment occurs on the oppositeside with respect to the opening/closing side of the containing element.The belts or chains have a development comprising at least a rear returnportion and a connected front portion which, in proximity with thepick-up and loading means, has at least a partly curvilinear segment.The convexity of the partly curvilinear segment faces toward the pick-upand loading means so as to define a curved operating zone whichdetermines the angular distancing between the containing elements in theoperating zone.

In some variant solutions, the operating zone is configured so that,when the containing element is around the top of the convexity of the atleast partly curvilinear segment, it lies on a substantially horizontalplane and, when open, is suitable to receive the object to be loaded; onthe contrary, when the containing element goes beyond the top of theconvexity, below it, it is oriented downward, and when open promotes thefall of the object contained so it can be picked up by the user.

According to another feature of the present invention, each containingelement in the closed position is conformed to define a housing seating,substantially flat and closed, in which the corresponding objectcontained remains stably during its movement inside the box-like body.

According to one feature of the present invention, each containingelement is configured substantially as a folder and comprises a pair offlat supports, hinged in correspondence with a common edge and providedwith clamping means in order to stably maintain the containing elementin its closed position during its movement in the box-like body.

Therefore, the containing element in its closed position has anextremely limited thickness, allowing to house a large number ofcontaining elements inside the same automatic distributor device andtherefore a large assortment of objects, for example different articlesof clothing and different sizes, obtaining a great personalization inthe distribution thereof.

Furthermore, in its closed position, the containing element allows toefficiently preserve the object contained therein, preserving it frompossible contaminating agents and also, in the case of an article ofclothing, keeping it in efficient ironed conditions.

According to the present invention, the automatic distributor devicecomprises opening and closing means, operatively disposed in theoperating zone and drivable in coordination with the movement means. Theopening and closing means are suitable to cooperate with the clampingmeans of at least one containing element positioned in the operatingzone, in order to determine the switching between its open position andits closed position.

A variant of the present invention provides that the opening and closingmeans are movable between at least a first position in which they areoperatively disposed in proximity with said pick-up window, to determinethe opening of a containing element facing toward it, and a secondposition in which they are operatively disposed in proximity with saidloading window, to determine the opening of a containing element facingtoward it.

In some forms of embodiment, the opening and closing means comprisegrippers able to cooperate with the edges of the hinged supports,passing from a wide apart configuration, in which the containing elementis open, to a close-up configuration, in which the containing element isclosed.

In some variants of the present invention, the grippers comprise firstpeg or push rod means able to cooperate with relative holes made in thesupports, and second peg or push rod means able to cooperate with theclamping means.

In some variant solutions, moreover, the device according to the presentinvention comprises counter means associated with the chains andconfigured to supply a first counting signal of the folders, able todetermine the functioning of the chains to position a desired containingelement in substantial correspondence with the operating zone.

Furthermore, in other variants, the device according to the presentinvention comprises position sensor means associated with the openingand closing means and configured to provide a second signal able todetermine the functioning of the chains for the precise positioning of adesired containing element in correspondence with the opening andclosing means.

In other variants, the device according to the present inventioncomprises mechanical positioning means configured to cooperate with adesired containing element so as to determine the stable alignment withthe opening and closing means.

According to another variant, the automatic distributor device alsocomprises discharge means suitable to facilitate the transfer of anobject from the containing element to the pick-up means.

According to another variant, the automatic distributor device comprisesuser interface means for the selection of the objects to be picked up.

According to another variant, the automatic distributor device compriseselectronic identification means, operatively connected to the userinterface means, able to identify univocally each specific user,provided with an identification device and/or to identify univocallyeach object inserted into each of the containing elements. In this wayit is possible to guarantee an effective traceability of the objectsdistributed and of the users who have actually picked up each specificobject.

According to a first solution, the electronic identification meanscomprise at least a radiofrequency reader of the RFID type, able tocooperate with RFID tags individually associated with each object.

It comes within the spirit of the present invention to provide that thedistributor device comprises electronic communication means to connectto each other two or more distributor devices and to allow thecoordinated functioning thereof, so as to distribute two or more objectssubstantially simultaneously, through the corresponding pick-up windows.Therefore, in this way it is possible to increase the assortment andpersonalization of the objects to be distributed, further reducing thedistribution times, especially in particular working contexts such asfactories and suchlike.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other characteristics of the present invention will becomeapparent from the following description of a preferential form ofembodiment, given as a non-restrictive example with reference to theattached drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a three-dimensional view, partly in section, of an automaticdistributor device for objects according to the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a lateral view of FIG. 1;

FIGS. 3A, 3B are enlarged views of a detail of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4A is a lateral schematic view of a containing element of thedistributor device in FIG. 1, in a first operating configuration;

FIG. 4B is a front schematic view of the containing element of thedistributor device in FIG. 4A, in a second operating configuration;

FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of a detail of the automatic distributordevice for objects according to the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a simplified functional three-dimensional view of theautomatic distributor device for objects according to the presentinvention;

FIGS. 7 and 8 are lateral schematic views of the automatic distributordevice in two different operating configurations;

FIG. 9 is a schematic representation of a variant of the opening andclosing of a containing element according to the present invention;

FIG. 10 is a lateral view of the automatic distributor device in FIG. 1in a step of positioning the containing element for loading the objects;

FIG. 11 is a schematic representation of the steps for controlling thepositioning of the containing element for opening and closing;

FIG. 12 is a lateral view of the automatic distributor device in FIG. 1during the step of loading the objects into the containing element;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a loading door of the automaticdistributor device in FIG. 1 during the step of loading the objects intothe containing element;

FIG. 14 is a lateral perspective view, partly in section, of the loadingdoor in FIG. 13, during the step of loading the objects into thecontaining element;

FIG. 15 is a lateral view of the automatic distributor device in FIG. 1in a step of picking up the objects from the containing element; and

FIG. 16 is a lateral perspective view, partly in section, of the pick-upstep in FIG. 15, through a pick-up door.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERENTIAL FORM OF EMBODIMENT

With reference to the attached drawings, an automatic distributor devicefor substantially flat objects, hereafter distributor 10, is used forthe substantially automatic distribution of folded articles of clothingor objects 11, such as for example garments, uniforms, overalls orother.

The distributor 10 comprises a box-like body 12, provided with a pick-upwindow 21 and a loading window 22, a plurality of containing elements orfolders 18, of the single-object type, each for containing a single andpredetermined article 11. The distributor 10 also comprises a movementmechanism 24 and a user interface display 30, used to select the article11 to be picked up.

The box-like body 12 has a supporting base 13, a rear portion 14,normally close to a wall, a front portion 16 and respective lateralportions 15 with a containing and supporting function. The box-like body12 also has an inner frame, not indicated in the drawings, to supportthe movement mechanism 24 and the relative components and drive members.The sizes of the box-like body 12 are such as to allow it to bepositioned in a corridor or access zone. The box-like body 12 can alsocomprise wheels, not shown, provided in correspondence with the base 13,to facilitate the positioning, and attachment feet.

The front portion 16 comprises a first segment, substantially inclined,and a second vertical segment. The first segment has an inspectionwindow, not shown, so that the staff responsible for maintenance canvisually control the correct functioning of the distributor 10.

On the first segment of the front portion 16 there is also the userinterface display 30, such as for example a touch screen display, toselect the article to be removed.

On the second segment of the front portion there is respectively thepick-up window 21, associated with an inner drawer in which the selectedarticle 11 is deposited, and above it the loading window 22, used toperiodically supply the distributor 10.

The distributor 10 also comprises an electronic processing and controlunit, not shown, of a known type, such as a PLC or an industrialprocessor such as a PC104. The electronic processing and control unit isprovided with or associated with electronic memorization means, and isconnected to the display 30 and to at least a RFID (Radio FrequencyIdentification) tag reader to read the corresponding RFID tag containedin each article 11.

In fact, all the articles 11 are provided with a radiofrequencyidentification device of the low-frequency, single-read type, or thehigh-frequency multi-read type, disposed in a suitable position.

Each article 11 is therefore classified according to model, color andsize, and to the position of the specific containing folder 18, andeverything is registered in the electronic memorization means of theprocessing and control unit.

The distributor 10 can therefore deliver the articles 11 of clothingaccording to a correspondence in function and role of the users, dividedby model, color and size. The distribution of the articles 11 can alsobe personalized by associating to each user his/her own article 11 oruniform that belongs to him/her.

In another form of embodiment, instead of the RFID reader, thedistributor 10 comprises a bar code reader for reading the correspondingcodes impressed on the articles 11 of clothing.

In another form of embodiment it is possible to provide that, instead ofusing the RFID reader or the bar code reader, the individual articles 11are identified by manually inserting the relative identification code,for example by means of the touch screen of the user interface display30, in coordination with the actual loading of each article 11.

The distributor 10 can also provide a badge reader, to recognize usersand authorize them for use.

The movement mechanism 24 allows to move the folders 18 inside thebox-like body 12 and to selectively position them facing on eachoccasion toward the pick-up window 21 or toward the loading window 22.In particular, the mechanism 24 comprises two transmission chains 25, towhich the folders 18 are attached.

The chains 25 are disposed according to a corresponding closed-ringdevelopment 26, each of which lies on a relative plane, vertical to thebase 13 and parallel to the lateral portions 15. The chains 25, that is,the relative lying planes, are also positioned at a predeterminedreciprocal distance, correlated to the width of the folders 18.

In this case, the developments 26 are conformed in a triangle geometry.In one form of embodiment the triangle geometry is of the isosceles typeand comprises a return segment 27, corresponding to the base, and twoinclined segments, respectively a lower segment 28 and an upper segment29.

The return segment 27, substantially rectilinear, develops vertically ata predetermined distance from the rear portion 14 of the box-like body12, correlated to the transverse bulk of the folders 18. The lowersegment 28 and the upper segment 29 develop toward the front portion 16of the box-like body 12 and are connected to the return segment 27 incorrespondence with return and transmission wheels 34, positioned at thebase tops of the triangle.

The lower segment 28 and the upper segment 29, in turn rectilinear, areconnected in correspondence with the third top of the triangle, so as todefine in correspondence with the pick-up window 21 and the loadingwindow 22, a curvilinear segment 32 with a convexity facing orprotruding toward the windows 21, 22. This allows to define a curvedoperating zone 50 which, thanks to the passage from the rectilineardevelopment to the development of the curvilinear surface of the chains25, determines the progressive angular distancing of the containingelements 18 transiting along the operating zone 50. Furthermore, whenthe folder 18 is around the top of the convexity of the curvilinearsegment 32, it lies on a plane substantially horizontal to the height ofthe loading window 22 and, when open, can receive the object 11 to beloaded; on the contrary, when the folder 18 goes beyond the top of theconvexity of the curvilinear segment 32, toward the lower segment 28, itfinds itself facing downward, and when it is open, it facilitates thefall of the object 11 contained therein, so that it can be picked up bythe user. The folders 18 in the operating zone 50 are thus opened, forthe corresponding article 11 to be picked up or loaded, by means ofopening/closing means which will be described in more detail hereafter,without interfering mechanically with adjacent folders 18, thanks to theangular distancing between them due to the special convex conformationprotruding toward the outside of the curvilinear segment 32. Thesubsequent passage from the curvilinear zone to the rectilinear zone ofthe chains 25 causes the folders 18 to be moved progressively closer toeach other until, after the pick-up window 21, they are again compactedand compressed.

The transmission chains 25 are selectively movable in oppositedirections of rotation, by means of the return and transmission wheels34, which are in turn driven by a relative movement member of a knowntype, such as an electric motor, not indicated, commanded by theelectronic processing and control unit.

The movement mechanism 24 comprises guides 31 which develop in arectilinear manner along the segments 27, 28 and 29, definingcorresponding sliding and supporting seatings for the chains 25.

The folder 18 (FIGS. 4A and 4B) comprises two rigid supports 19,substantially flat, having the same rectangular shape, which are hingedin a first rear edge 19 a in correspondence with which they are attachedto the transmission chains 25. Each folder 18 is also operativelyattached to the chains 25 so that during rotation the supports 19 aresubstantially perpendicular to each segment 27, 28 and 29 of the chains25.

The folder 18 has a closed position (FIG. 4B) in which the two supports19 are positioned one above the other so as to define a housing seating20 between respective internal surfaces 19 c, in order to retain thearticle 11 stably and securely during its movement inside the box-likebody 12. In one form of embodiment the sizes of each folder 18 in thecorresponding closed position are about 50 cm in length, 30 cm in depthand 2 cm in height. In this form of embodiment the distributor 10 cancomprise about one hundred folders 18.

The folder 18 is held stably in the closed position by means ofrespective clamping portions 39, made in correspondence with a secondedge 19 b of a first of the two supports 19 which cooperate with matingattachment portions, not indicated, of the second support 19.

In one form of embodiment, not shown, instead of the clamping portions39, on each support 19 the folder 18 has magnetic elements thatcooperate reciprocally by means of magnetic attraction so as to keep thefolder 18 stably in its closed position during its movement.

The folder 18 also has an open position (FIG. 4A), in which the twosupports 19 are made to rotate by a predetermined angle. In thisposition, automatically determined when the folder 18 is disposedadjacent to the pick-up window 21 and the specific article 11 has beenselected, part of the housing seating 20, comprising the surface of thelower support 19, is disposed inclined so as to facilitate the dischargeof the selected article toward the drawer 23 and then toward the pick-upwindow 21.

Each folder 18 can be disposed in its open position substantiallyautomatically, even when it is in correspondence with the loading window22, to allow a new article 11 to be loaded.

Each support 19 also has an opening hole 40 made in correspondence withthe second edge 19 b, which develops in a direction parallel to the edge19 b itself. Each hole 40 cooperates with corresponding grippers 44, orother means for opening and closing the folder 18, disposed on one sideand the other with respect to the folders 18. The grippers 44 areconfigured to cooperate with the edges of the hinged supports 19,passing from a wide open configuration, in which the containing element18 is open, to a close-up configuration, in which the containing element18 is closed.

The grippers 44 are operatively disposed in correspondence with theoperating zone 50 and have first push rods, pegs or pins 45, which areinserted during use into the respective holes 40 of a folder 18,stationary and positioned in correspondence with the pick-up window 21or the loading window 22. The first push rods 45, once inserted, arereciprocally moved closer or apart so as to determine respectively theopening or closing of the supports 19 and hence of the folder 18.

Furthermore, in some fauns of embodiment (FIG. 9) each of the grippers44 is equipped with a corresponding second push rod, peg or pin 47,disposed on one side and the other with respect to the folder 18, anddrivable linearly so as to cooperate with an attachment tongue 49 of theclamping portions 39, made in this case on the edges of an upper support19, housed in a corresponding eyelet 43 made in this case on the edgesof a support 19. The attachment tongue 49, as can easily be seen in theenlarged detail in FIG. 9, is shaped mating with the eyelet 43, so as todetermine therewith a geometric coupling. The attachment tongue 49 hasproperties of flexibility, so that the thrust by the second push rods47, or lack of thrust, determines the selective displacement of theattachment tongue 49 between a position of non-interference with theedges of the eyelet 43, in which the two supports 19 are free to rotateone with respect to the other, and a position of interference, in whichthe attachment tongue 49 is geometrically coupled with the eyelet 43 todetermine the reciprocal coupling of the supports 19.

In some forms of embodiment, the grippers 44 are movable, for example bymeans of a hydraulic actuator with pistons or other suitable member,between a first position in which they are disposed in proximity withthe pick-up window 21, that is, of the drawer 23, to determine theopening of the folder 18 and its subsequent closure, and a secondposition in which they are operatively disposed in proximity with theloading window 22 to determine the opening of the folder 18 and to allowa predetermined article 11 to be loaded into a folder 18, stationary andpositioned there.

In some forms of embodiment, the movement of the folders 18 by means ofthe chains 25 is accurately controlled in order to take the desiredfolder 18, associated with its own identification device, into precisecooperation with the grippers 44 which perform the opening operation incorrespondence with the loading window 22 and the closing operation incorrespondence with the pick-up window 21. To this purpose, in someforms of embodiment, a counter device 33 is provided, associated withthe chain 25 and located in this case in correspondence with thecurvilinear segment 32, behind the containing elements 18 (FIG. 10). Thecounter device 33 is able to count the folders 18 and, depending on theidentification of the desired folder 18, supplies a signal to stop thechain 25, so that the selected folder 18 is positioned in substantialcorrespondence with the loading window 22, thus performing a function ofroughly positioning the desired folder 18 in a zone where the grippers44 operate.

In particular, the counter device 33 comprises inside it threephotocells, suitably positioned, that are excited by the passage of atongue 55 made from the back of the rear support of the folder 18 (FIGS.10 and 11). Of the three photocells, two photocells distanced from eachother, at the passage of the tongues 55, supply two signals of theon/off type, the combination of which allows to derive the direction ofrotation and to count the folders 18, while a third photocell is excitedby a longer tongue which determines the zero of the count. The positionof the counter device 33 is not constrained to a specific zone of thechain 25, but it is preferable that its distance from the loading andunloading point is a multiple of the distance between one tongue 55 andthe other.

Furthermore, position sensors 52, 54 are provided to determine a precisepositioning and centering of the folder 18 with respect to the grippers44, in correspondence with the loading window 22 or pick-up window 21.The position sensors comprise in this case two photocells 52, 54disposed so as to detect the correct positioning of the folder 18 withrespect to the grippers 44, sighting the start and finish of the folder18 in a correlated fashion.

Moreover, to ensure the cooperation between the first push rods 45 andthe corresponding holes 40, and also between the second push rods 47 andthe attachment tongues 49, the invention provides that, on one side andthe other of the folder 18, there are mechanical positioning elements56, for example shown as the fork type in FIG. 11, disposed in aposition coordinated with that of the first push rods 45 and second pushrods 47. The mechanical positioning elements 56 are mobile linearly fromand toward the folder 18 and are configured to engage with the edges ofthe folder 18, once it has been positioned accurately thanks to theposition sensors 52, 54, so as to ensure the precise and stablealignment of the push rods 45 and second push rods 47 and thecorresponding holes 40 and eyelets 43 so that they can subsequently beinserted correctly and without interference and blockages to open andclose the folder 18.

Advantageously, together with the grippers 44, movable as describedabove, the position sensors 52, 54, and the mechanical positioningelements 56 can also be positioned so that it is possible to repeat thesame centering operation described above in correspondence with theloading window 22 and the pick-up window 21.

In some forms of embodiment, the loading window 22 is provided with ashutter door 122 (FIGS. 13 and 14) selectively mobile automaticallyalong a vertical opening/closing travel and on command by the operatorwho has to load the articles 11 in the desired folder 18 once the latterhas been positioned in correspondence with the loading window 22 (FIGS.12 and 14).

In some forms of embodiment, the pick-up window 21 (FIG. 15) is providedwith a pivoting door 121 (FIG. 16) easily opened when thrust by the userwho has to pick up the article 11 which has been deposited in the drawer23.

According to a variant embodiment, instead of a distinct loading window22 and pick-up window 21, the distributor 10 provides the possibility ofloading and unloading by means of the loading window 22, which in thisway functions as a pick-up window too. In this solution, the loadingfunction remains unchanged, whereas the distributor 10 does not providethe pick-up window 21 and the articles 11 are always loaded or unloadedthrough the loading window 22. The distributor 10 positions and opensthe chosen folder 18 in correspondence with the loading window 22 andopening the shutter door 122 allows the user to pick up the content ofthe folder 18. Once the pick-up step is finished, the user closes theshutter 122 manually, declares the operation concluded and thedistributor 10 is ready for a new operation.

In one form of embodiment, several distributors 10 are associatedoperatively to achieve an automatic distributor with a multiplieddistributive capacity. In this form of embodiment the processing andcontrol units are connected electronically by means of a line ofcommunication of a known type, such as a MODBUS data communication busor other, and a predetermined control unit is the main unit or masterunit, whereas the other control units are slave units. In this solution,it is possible to activate only one display 30, for example the displayof a central distributor, by means of which it is also possible toidentify which specific distributor will distribute the specific article11. The distributor 10 as described heretofore functions as follows.

During the distribution of an article 11, an authorized user isidentified for example by the automatic recognition of his/her RFID tagor badge, choosing with the touch screen display 30 the type of article11 to be picked up or, in the case of a personalized distribution,confirming a choice proposed on the display 30 according to the dataalready memorized in the electronic memorization means.

As shown in FIGS. 6-8, which for the sake of simplicity show only thetransmission mechanism 24 and the folders connected to it, afterverifying the user's authorization the processing and control unitactivates the transmission mechanism 24 by driving the relative wheels34, so as to make the chains 25 rotate in one or the other of the twodirections indicated by the arrow L.

The movement of the chains 25, for example at constant speed, continuesuntil the specific folder 18 containing the chosen article 11 ispositioned, also according to its identification device, in proximitywith the operating zone 50, that is, the curvilinear segment 32, alsothanks to the intervention of the counter device 33 which determines therough positioning of the desired folder 18. In particular, the specificfolder 18 is stopped in a position adjacent to the drawer 23 and thepick-up window 21 in which it is positioned with the supports 19 partlyinclined. The rotation of the chains 25 takes place in a specificdirection of rotation which minimizes the time that the folder 18containing the desired article 11 takes to move to the operating zone50.

Subsequently, once the position sensors 52, 54 have determined a precisepositioning and the positioning elements 56 have intervened, thegrippers 44, normally disposed in their first position, are activated soas to insert the relative first push rods 45 on the four holes 40 of thefolder 18, and to lift them, exerting a lifting force greater than theclosing force exerted by the clamping portions 39, or by the magneticelements in the corresponding form of embodiment, and determining theopening of the folder 18 due to the rotation of the relative supports19. In some solutions, as we said, it is also possible to provide theactivation of the second push rods 47 which influence the position ofthe attachment tongues 49 to allow the opening of the folder 18. Theopening of the folder 18 causes the article 11 to slide due to gravitytoward the drawer 23 of the pick-up window 21. In one foam of embodimentthe distributor 10 provides a mechanical discharge unit or other type,such as for example a blower, to facilitate the sliding of the article11 toward the drawer 23. The folder 18 is closed by means of an inverseoperation to the opening operation.

In the operating zone 50, thanks to the convex geometry of thecurvilinear segment 32, the folders 18 can be opened for pick-up orloading, or the supports 19 that make up the folders 18 can be rotatedin the open condition, by means of the grippers 44 or otheropening/closing means, without interfering mechanically with each other,since the convex geometry automatically determines the reciprocalangular distancing of one folder 18 and the other in said zone, whereasthe opening/closing is a function that the grippers 44 perform. Viceversa, in the other segments 27, 28 and 29, substantially rectilinear,the folders 18 are disposed very close to each other, allowing thedistributor 10 to manage a large number of articles 11.

The articles 11 picked up by each user are counted by the processing andcontrol unit in real time. When the inventory relating to a determinatemodel and size of article 11 indicates that the number of articles 11held is less than a predetermined minimum value, the processing andcontrol unit sends a warning, for example by means of a datatransmission and reception unit, such as a GSM/GPRS modem, a datatransmission network or other, so that it is possible to supply therelative articles 11 before they run out.

The distributor 10 is supplied periodically by a wardrobe operator who,having activated the procedure to supply the system by means of thetouch screen display 30, identifies by means of the RFID reader the RFIDtag or the bar code of each article 11 to be supplied, positioning itfor example near the loading window 22.

After having recognized correctly the code of the article 11 to beinserted, the processing and control unit determines the rotation of thechains 25 in one of the two directions indicated by the arrow L. Themovement of the chains 25, for example at constant speed, continuesuntil an empty folder 18 is positioned in proximity to the operatingzone 50, that is, the curvilinear segment 32. In particular, thespecific folder 18 is stopped in a position adjacent to the loadingwindow 22, above the position used for distribution. The rotation of thechains 25 occurs in the direction of rotation that minimizes the timefor the movement of the folder 18 to the operating zone 50.

Subsequently, the grippers 44 are moved to their second position andactivated so as to insert the relative first push rods 45 on the fourholes 40 of the folder 18 and to lift them, determining the opening ofthe folder 18 by rotation of the relative supports 19, possibly alsoactivating the second push rods 47. In this case too, the positionsensors 52, 54, and the positioning element 56 enters into action, forthe correct centering as described above. The operator introduces thearticle 11 into the open folder 18 and the processing and control unitmemorizes the association folder 18/article 11. In this case too, thefolder 18 is closed by means of an inverse operation to the openingoperation. In particular, the grippers 44 are therefore closed, that is,the first push rods 45 are brought together to determine the closing ofthe supports 19 and then removed from the holes 40, allowing to load asubsequent empty folder 18.

1. Automatic distributor device for objects including folded articles ofclothing comprising at least a box-like body provided at an ergonomicheight with pick-up and loading means for the distribution and supply ofthe objects, wherein the device further comprises: a plurality ofcontaining elements of the single-object type to normally contain one ofsaid objects, or a homogeneous plurality of said objects, which areconfigured substantially as a folder and comprise a pair of flatsupports, hinged in correspondence with a common edge so as to beselectively mobile between an open position to receive and remove thearticle, and a closed movement position in which a housing seating isdefined, substantially flat and closed, in which the correspondingobject contained remains in a stable manner during the movement insidethe box-like structure, each of said containing elements being providedwith clamping means able to cooperate reciprocally in order to stablymaintain the containing element in the closed position during itsmovement in the box-like body, closed-ring movement means which move theplurality of the containing elements inside the box-like body so as toposition one of them on each occasion selectively facing toward saidpick-up and loading means, said movement means comprising one or morebelts or chains, to which the containing elements are attached, saidattachment occurring on the opposite side with respect to theopening/closing side of the containing element, said belts or chainshave a development comprising at least a rear return portion and aconnected front portion which has, in proximity with said pick-up andloading means, at least a partly curvilinear segment, the convexity ofwhich faces toward said pick-up and loading means so as to define acurved operating zone which determines the angular distancing betweenthe containing elements; opening and closing means operatively disposedin said operating zone and drivable in coordination with said movementmeans, said opening and closing means being able to cooperate with theclamping means of at least one containing element positioned in saidoperating zone, in order to determine the switching between said openand said closed position.
 2. The device as in claim 1, wherein saiddevelopment of said one or more belts or chains is conformed as atriangle.
 3. The device as in claim 1, wherein said pick-up and loadingmeans comprise a loading window.
 4. The device as in claim 3, whereinsaid loading window also acts as a pick-up window.
 5. The device as inclaim 1, wherein said pick-up and loading means comprise a pick-upwindow distinct from said loading window.
 6. The device as in claim 1,wherein said curved operating zone is configured so that when thecontaining element is around the top of the convexity of the partlycurvilinear segment, the containing element lies on a substantiallyhorizontal plane and, when open, is suitable to receive the object to beloaded, and when the containing element goes beyond the top of theconvexity, the containing element is oriented downward, and when openpromotes the fall of the object contained so the object can be picked upby the user.
 7. The device as in claim 5, wherein the opening andclosing means are movable between at least a first position in whichthey are operatively disposed in proximity with said pick-up window anda second position in which they are operatively disposed in proximitywith said loading window.
 8. The device as in claim 1, wherein theopening and closing means comprises grippers able to cooperate with theedges of said hinged supports, passing from a wide open configuration inwhich the containing element is open, to a close-up configuration inwhich the containing element is closed.
 9. The device as in claim 8,wherein said grippers comprise first peg or push rod means able tocooperate with relative holes made in said supports and possible secondpeg or push rod means able to cooperate with said clamping means. 10.The device as in claim 1, wherein said clamping means comprise magneticelements or attachment tongues.
 11. The device as in claim 1, comprisingcounter means associated with said chains and configured to supply afirst counting signal of the folders able to determine the functioningof the chains for positioning a desired containing element insubstantial correspondence with said operating zone.
 12. The device asin claim 1, comprising position sensor means associated with saidopening and closing means and configured to supply a second signal ableto determine the functioning of the chains for the precise positioningof a desired containing element in correspondence with said opening andclosing means.
 13. The device as in claim 1, comprising mechanicalpositioning means configured to cooperate with a desired containingelement so as to determine the stable alignment thereof with saidopening and closing means.
 14. The device as in claim 1, comprisingelectronic identification means, operatively connected to user interfacemeans, for the selection of the objects to be removed, able to identifyunivocally each specific user who picks up one or more objects and/or toidentify univocally each object inserted into each of the containingelements.
 15. The device as in claim 1, comprising electroniccommunication means to connect to each other two or more distributordevices and to allow the coordinated functioning thereof, so as todistribute two or more objects substantially simultaneously, through thecorresponding pick-up means.